Tokyo Story (1953)

In the quaint coastal village of Onomichi, Japan, the life of the elderly couple Shukishi and Tomi Hirayama is woven with quiet simplicity and the faithful companionship of their youngest child, Kyoko, a dedicated schoolteacher. Their other adult children, scattered across the vast cities of Tokyo and Osaka, remain distant figures, their lives intertwined with the humdrum of urban life. Yearning for familial warmth, Shukishi and Tomi decide to embark on a journey to Tokyo, stepping into the world of their children, pediatrician Koichi Hirayama and beautician Shige Kaneko, and their respective families, which includes two delightful grandchildren. Their odyssey takes an unexpected detour, leading them to Osaka, where they briefly stay with their other son, Keiso Hirayama. Amidst the city's hustle and bustle, the elderly couple's visit is perceived more as a duty than a pleasure by their children, who are engrossed in their own lives. In a stark demonstration of their indifference, they even resort to sending their parents to the budget-friendly Atami Hot Springs resort, choosing convenience over familial bonds. In the midst of this emotional landscape, the couple find solace in the affectionate gestures of their widowed daughter-in-law, Noriko Hirayama. Her husband, their son Shoji Hirayama, lost his life in the war eight years prior, leaving Noriko as the only beacon of genuine love and concern in their otherwise disinterested offspring's lives. As their journey concludes, the children are faced with a profound realization about their behavior towards their parents, not just during this visit, but throughout their adult lives. Some are jolted into understanding their shortcomings, but for others, this insight may arrive too late. On their return journey, a sudden health scare forces the couple to halt at Osaka, bringing forth a whirl of unexpected emotions and events that ripple through their scattered family. The narrative delicately unravels the poignant tale of an aging couple navigating the complex dynamics of familial relationships, unmet expectations, and the inexorable passage of time.

Tokyo Story is a drama movie featuring Chishū Ryū.

Tokyo Story is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Tokyo Story on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.